MANCHESTER will see a world's first in outdoor broadcasting when it helps celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest.

MANCHESTER will see a world's first in outdoor broadcasting when it helps celebrate the Eurovision Song Contest.

The city will be the only one in the world not competing in the event to have a live link-up to the show celebrating Europe's pop music.

Terry Wogan will welcome hundreds of people to Exchange Square, via satellite, for the event that expects to see revellers dressed up Eurovision style on May 16.

Live music and street performers will get the crowds in a party mood before the BBC's giant video screen switch-on.

A spokesman for the event said: "This event - with its tongue firmly in cheek - will still entertain and astonish those who go along. It's great to have such an exciting first for the city."

The screen will also show news, community information, public art and locally produced films during the festival Festival Europa.

A giant living room will be set up in Albert Square for the UEFA Champions League Final at Old Trafford - the world's biggest single sporting event of 2003. A house-warming party will be held on May 27, the eve of the big game.

And hundreds of dancers will take to the street, at The Triangle and Cathedral Gardens, with experts and novices trying their feet at Flamenco, waltz, tango and breakdancing.